High profile racial violence has captivated the nation in recent years. From the death of Trayvon Martin to most recently a fatal shooting at Emanuel AME Church in Charleston South Carolina, an unspeakable tragedy that is reminiscent of the 1960's.

A stalemate that's left Illinois without a budget has taken a new political turn. It comes as the Attorney General is asking a court to determine what bills Illinois can pay when the state has no spending authority.

Before Friday’s ruling, it was easier for same sex couples to adopt in most states than it was for them to marry. Only two states, Michigan and Mississippi, prohibit same sex couples from jointly petitioning to adopt a child.

Steve Inskeep has written a new book: Jacksonland: President Andrew Jackson, Cherokee Chief John Ross, and a Great American Land Grab. We talk with Inskeep about his new book, and the lessons within for today.

Since November, U of I has repeatedly denied the FOIA requests for the emails citing that producing the documents would be unduly burdensome. Salaita’s attorney Anand Swaminathan said the issue was never about burden, but rather about access.